2023 Domenica Chardonnay, Beechworth

Peter Graham cut his teeth at nearby Giaconda, where he worked as assistant winemaker for thirteen years. During the early part of this time he completed a degree in wine science by correspondence through Charles Sturt University.

Grown on a south facing slope, the fruit is hand picked lightly crushed, and basket pressed. The heaviest solids are briefly settled out by gravity, then the juice transferred to barriques awaiting the start of fermentation. This occurs naturally, when it is ready, and takes as long as it takes.

Pale straw. The elegantl floral nose has notes of white peach, lited lemon/lime. The palate is finer that usual and very  refined, the exuberant fruit of youth is evident, pear and lime, with all the elements of high quality chardonnay falling into line behind it. Light cinnamon and ginger hint . Long and soft but with an intense core of concentrated fruit. A lick of extreemely fine vanillan wood. The persistent acidity blends seamlessly with the depth of fruit, showcasing the purity and intensity  developed by the granitic soils of Beechworth.